THREE KINGSTON and St. Andrew Police Divisions kicked off 'Police Courtesy Week' yesterday with church services at the East Queen Street Baptist Church, central Kingston, the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Molynes Road, and the Church of God of Prophecy, Maxfield Avenue.
The church services were organised for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to invoke a spiritual presence into their week of activities.
Under the theme, 'Worship through fellowship and giving', police personnel, church members and young people gathered for three hours of worship that included songs, prayer and praise at the East Queen Street Baptist Church in the Kingston Central Division. The police participated extensively.
The week continues with several activities, starting today, with a 'Community Empowerment Day' at the PORA Hall, Laws Street, downtown Kingston, where experts will speak on issues such as conflict resolution and interpersonal relationships.
Tomorrow, there will be a 'Community Workday', during which the police will visit the elderly, and teenage mothers, in the community. On Wednesday, there will be 'Health Awareness Day' activities, in which the main focus will be a health fair at the Central Police Station. There will be a public forum on Thursday at East Queen Street Baptist Church, and on Friday there will be a social and awards ceremony at the Central Police Station where outstanding contributors to the community will be honoured. The week's activities will culminate on Saturday with a concert at St. William Grant Park, North Parade, featuring various police and community acts.
STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH COMMUNITY
Deputy Commissioner Tilford Johnson, who is in charge of Operations, represented the Commissioner at the service at East Queen Street Baptist. He said he was pleased with the development of the concept of Police Courtesy Week.
"The Police High Command has advised that they are very satisfied," he said. "It's another medium to strengthen partnership between the police and the public."
The sentiments were reiterated during an earlier service at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, where uniformed members of the JCF, St. Andrew South Division, worshipped. Representing Commissioner Forbes was Supt. Claude Samuels, head of the division.
At the Church of God of Prophecy, police officers from the Kingston Western Division were on hand to pray with fellow worshippers. Deputy Commissioner Lucius Thomas, who is in charge of Crime, greeted the gathering on behalf of the Commissioner.
